U-Bolt Kits

U Bolt Kit Incl Galvanised U Bolts, Axle Pads and Fish Plates

U Bolt Kit clamps the axle to a pair of springs hanging from the chassis rails.

Weld axle pads to the axle to prevent axles from slipping due to loose u bolts.

Kits consist of

• 4 x Galvanised u bolts,
• Nylocks.
• Washers.
• 2 x Axle Pads.
• 2 x Fish Plates.

Mild steel stretches; ensure nuts be re-tightened after 300 kilometres.

Loose nylocks can cause severe damage to springs, axles and associated equipment.

Why U-bolts may be the Major Cause of Accidents

5/8″ u-bolt kits are used on Caravans, Off-road trailers and campers and all rigs with axles capacity over 1500kg. Galvanised u-bolt kits last longer.

U bolts (galvanised) provide a higher degree of strength; they have galvanised nylock nuts that are less prone to breakage than their conventional counterparts.

We have written a good article on u-bolts and accidents here. Click Here.

What is the difference between standard and heavy-duty u-bolts?

• Standard u-bolts have a 1/2 inch diameter and a break load limit of 17t tonnes.
• Heavy Duty u-bolts have a 16mm diameter and a break load limit of 23 tonnes.

Further Information On Couplemate U-Bolts

A Galvanised U-bolt is de-stressed in an additional process; this occurs after galvanising and removes the stresses from manufacture. These U-bolts are then batch tested to destruction.

How are u bolts de-stressed?

Stress points occur once the u-bolt is bent. U-bolts are collected and placed in a steel bin which, in turn, is wheeled into an oven.

The bolts are heated to remove stress and then slowly cooled. Once cooled, the u-bolts are free from stress.

Why are your U bolts tested, you ask?

Weak points are created when steel is bent. If this pressure is not removed, shock loading from bad roads can cause stress fractures and breakages.

The humble U-bolt on your caravan can cause you unbelievable grief. At Couplemate, we long ago decided to manufacture our own U-bolts when reputable products kept breaking.

A standard zinc square U-bolt broke due to a stress fracture on the bend. Immediately, we realised that Couplemate needed to make a better Caravan U bolt.

Finally, we decided that galvanised nylock nuts were the better way to lock U bolts into position, rather than the two locking nuts, which always seemed to rust.

Note: When replacing U bolts, make sure you also replace your old nylock nuts. These are a one-use-only nut.

In summary, tighten and re-tighten u bolt nylocks for decades of smooth caravanning.

Couplemate sells only the best quality u-bolts and spares throughout Australia—covering the Northern Territory, Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland. We also ship products via Australia Post Air to New Zealand.